Small Steps

THESE DAYS, most of us have access to a computer. However, almost as
soon as we've bought one, it becomes obsolete as newer, faster, more capable
models go on sale. It's tempting to be sucked into the upgrade cycle,
but the damage to our environment both in the disposal of computers and
in their manufacture is costly.

Waste from computers takes up a large proportion of the electronic waste
generated in the UK. Even before a computer reaches you, the manufacturing
process has already generated a significant amount of waste, the majority
of which is classified as hazardous. In the US, such toxic waste is shipped
out to Asia, causing severe pollution and health problems for local communities;
this also occurs illegally from Europe. The EU Directive on waste electrical
and electronic equipment (WEEE) is designed to place the emphasis for
recycling on the companies rather than the consumer.

The market for refurbished computers has increased markedly, yet less
than 20% of all computers discarded in the UK are recycled. Hewlett Packard
offers a take-back service, but only for companies.

There are serious health concerns to consider for those working in the
computer manufacturing industry. A recent study, for example, found elevated
rates of cancer and premature death among workers at a semi-conductor
factory in Scotland. Many manufacturers also use cheap labour in countries
that have little or no legislation in place to protect workers. A report
by the charity CAFOD released last year found workers in countries such
as Taiwan who were paid less than legal minimum wages and forced to work
overtime. Unlike the clothing industry, which is responding to pressure
by campaigners to change overseas working practices, we have seen little
progress by electronic companies with regard to workers' rights and 'codes
of conduct'. Unfortunately for consumers, fairtrade labels do not exist
for computers yet.

The good news, however, is that there is a range of computer eco-labelling
schemes. Look for the US Energy Star, which is awarded to products consuming
less energy, the German Blue Angel scheme, or the Swedish TCO label. TCO
has banned some heavy metals and other toxic ingredients from products
receiving its certification and it also requires manufacturers to implement
environmental management systems, produce an environmental report and
mark components for recycling.

When choosing a screen, opt for a flat screen rather than a cathode ray
tube monitor, as less energy is used in its production and use. Flat screen
monitors also contain fewer non-renewable materials and ozone-depleting
chemicals, and create less hazardous solid and radioactive waste. They
last on average three years longer.

If you need to upgrade or buy a computer, consider what you will use
it for - the chances are that if you only use it for internet surfing
or word processing, a second-hand or refurbished computer may well meet
your needs and lessen the burden on the environment.

If only new will do, then choose your brand carefully. Ethical Consumer's
'Ethiscore' website www.ethiscore.org
listed these companies as having better ethical records in May 2005: Evesham
PC, MESH computers and Viglen PCs. Time and Tiny PCs scored the next highest.
Brands to avoid include Toshiba and Sony Corp. However, Sony has recently
announced that it is working hard to remove certain toxic chemicals (including
PVC and brominated flame retardants, which are both thought to be harmful
to our health). Apple continues to be the target of the US-based Computer
TakeBack Campaign. It has performed poorly in the campaign group's annual
report cards, which evaluate computer companies based on their design
of toxin-free products and on the recycling of obsolete products.

Samsung has been acclaimed by Greenpeace for its commitment to phasing
out hazardous chemicals. Dell was particularly commended by Ethical Consumer
for its environmental credentials, as it operates computer take-back schemes
and also has received a number of environmental positive labels. Alongside
Hewlett-Packard, it was also one of the few computer companies to have
an acceptable code of conduct for its workers.

Minimising the amount of computer waste you generate by recycling components
or whole computers will lessen the burden on the environment. However,
the best environmental contribution you can make is to consider carefully
whether or not you really need to buy new equipment.